C260 Cartridge Brass Sheet Blanks

C260 cartridge brass sheet blanks are the most popular brass alloy for stamping, forming, and decorative fabrication. The 70/30 copper-to-zinc ratio gives C260 an attractive golden color, excellent cold working characteristics, and good corrosion resistance that has made it the default brass sheet material since the 19th century. The name "cartridge brass" comes from its original use in ammunition cartridge cases, where deep drawing capability and reliable performance under pressure are essential. Formability is the defining characteristic of C260 sheet. In the annealed condition, the alloy achieves 65% elongation, allowing it to be deep drawn, stamped, spun, and formed into complex shapes that would crack harder alloys. This makes C260 sheet blanks the starting material for stamped hardware, drawn cups, formed enclosures, and decorative elements. The material work-hardens progressively during forming, which increases strength in the finished part and allows intermediate annealing for multi-stage forming operations. C260 sheet blanks are widely used for engraving plates, nameplates, and etched signage. The alloy engraves cleanly by rotary, diamond-drag, and laser methods, and the contrasting bright-cut lines against the golden surface produce highly legible markings. Chemical etching with ferric chloride is another common patterning technique used for decorative panels, circuit board-style patterns, and model-making components. The alloy is readily soldered with standard tin-lead or lead-free solders and silver brazing alloys, making it suitable for assembled decorative work, jewelry, and plumbing applications. C260 cannot be heat treated to increase hardness; strength is controlled through cold working and temper selection. Our C260 sheet blanks are available in tempers from soft anneal through spring hard, in thicknesses from 0.010 inches through 0.125 inches.